“RENEW” is an open factory event that started in 2015 to create a sustainable region in Echizen Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, and will be held again this year from October 10 to 12, 2025. Last year, a total of about 48,000 visitors were recorded over the three days. This year, a total of 122 companies will participate, which is the highest record in the event’s history. Reaching its 11th edition, the excitement in the production area continues to grow.

The main feature of the event is an open factory with the participation of around 80 companies. Each company elaborates on the idea and prepares the workshop, such as studio tours where you can learn about the background of craftsmanship from artisans, lacquering, papermaking, and making original eyewear. For those who want to get a deeper understanding in the production area, official tours are available by pre-reservation. A tourism professional with knowledge of the region will accompany you on a specially designed course by private car, based on themes such as Echizen lacquerware and Echizen washi paper. Other options include a walking tour of the town guided by supporters of the production area, or consulting with the staff at the “RENEW TRAVEL STAND” for advice on how to explore the event, allowing you to enjoy the event in a way that suits you. The food park, where you can enjoy Fukui’s local food and a pop-up restaurant during the event (reservation required), is also a must-visit.

On the same schedule as “RENEW,” the event “KOGEI COMMONS Empowered by MUFG,” will be held for the first time, which gathers 11 open factory groups from around Japan. In addition, continuing from last year, 14 groups will exhibit at the shop-style expo “City/People/Work – Localism Expo Fukui –.” It will be a meaningful three days where you can learn not only into Fukui’s manufacturing industry, but also about the regions and industries of Japan.

◾️ Related information
“RENEW/2025”
Dates: October 10 to 12, 2025
Venue: Whole area of Sabae-city, Echizen-city, Echizen-cho in Fukui Prefecture
Main information center:
Kawada Information Center: Urushi no Sato Hall (40-1-2, Nishibukuro-cho, Sabae-city, Fukui Prefecture)
Imadate Information Center: Former Yamaguchi Knit Factory (14-8, Iwamoto-cho, Echizen-city, Fukui Prefecture)
Website: https://renew-fukui.com/

*Please note that some events may require reservations. For further details, please check the official website.